5 top penny stocks to buy

Rupert Hargreaves explains why he’d buy these companies he believes are some of the best penny stocks on the market today.

The content of this article was relevant at the time of publishing. Circumstances change continuously and caution should therefore be exercised when relying upon any content contained within this article.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

Investing in penny stocks can be incredibly risky. However, I’ve recently been looking for penny shares to add to my portfolio to ride the UK economic recovery.

I’m focusing on these investments because I think smaller businesses are easier to understand. They’re also usually much more UK-focused, although I’m aware this strategy may not suit all investors. 

Penny stocks to buy

The first enterprise on my list of stocks to buy is aircraft broker Air Partner. Specialising in private jets and cargo transport, the company has seen a boom in demand for its services over the past 12 months.

I think the firm can capitalise on the growing wealth of the exclusive 1% over the next few years, and that’s why I’d buy the stock today. That said, the air travel market is highly cyclical. Therefore, the company’s growth is far from guaranteed. 

I’d also buy Vertu Motors for my portfolio of penny stocks. This company, which owns a string of car and motorbike dealerships across the country, has benefited from higher consumer savings. Many stuck-at-home consumers have spent their savings on new vehicles.

According to analysts, this demand could help the company return to pre-pandemic levels of profitability by 2023. Once again, this market is highly cyclical. Another coronavirus wave or an economic downturn could delay the firm’s return to growth. 

Currency management 

Currency management business Record is also expected to report a surge in earnings this year. The company has won several new mandates over the past year, and thanks to this new deals, it’s expected to report a near-80% increase in earnings per share for the current financial period.

Coupled with this growth, the stock offers a dividend yield of 3.8% and has a cash-rich balance sheet. I’d buy the company for my portfolio of penny stocks based on these qualities. 

Nonetheless, despite the company’s recent success, this is a highly competitive market, and profit margins are under pressure. Record is also a small business that may not be able to compete with large Wall Street giants. 

Commercial property 

Commercial property values have taken a hit over the past 14 months. This has thrown up some attractive opportunities in the commercial property sector, including Aew Uk Reit.

At the time of writing, the stock is trading just below its book value per share, which could present an opportunity for risk-tolerant investors. It also supports the dividend yield of 8%. I think these qualities more than offset the risk of investing in commercial property, which is why I’d buy the stock. Of course, if property prices continue to decline, Aew may have to make some tough choices. 

Finally, Id also buy Mcbride for my portfolio of penny stocks today. The consumer goods company is a recovery play, as it’s been struggling for the past few years. Earnings could remain under pressure, but analysts are forecasting growth. With a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.5, I think the organisation is a cheap recovery play.

Rupert Hargreaves has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Vertu Motors. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Mature black woman at home texting on her cell phone while sitting on the couch
Investing For Beginners

Experts think this penny stock could rise by 80% or more in the coming year

Jon Smith points out a penny stock that has the potential to soar this year if international expansion pays off,…

Read more »

Investing Articles

What next for Barclays shares, after this shock 15% slump?

What a tangled web we encounter when we look too deeply into the workings of the global banking sector. Barclays…

Read more »

Hydrogen testing at DLR Cologne
Investing Articles

Will the Rolls-Royce share price rise 5% or 36% by this time next year?

Rolls-Royce's share price hit new heights after stunning full-year results on Thursday (26 February). Can the FTSE 100 firm keep…

Read more »

Black woman using smartphone at home, watching stock charts.
Investing Articles

Airtel Africa’s shares are up as others on the FTSE 100 plummet. What’s going on?

With yet another conflict starting in the Middle East, James Beard notes that investors are still buying Airtel Africa’s shares.…

Read more »

Bearded man writing on notepad in front of computer
Investing Articles

Hot dates for dividend investors to mark in their March diaries

The year's stock market gains might be taking some edge off high yields, but UK dividend investors still have plenty…

Read more »

Finger clicking a button marked 'Buy' on a keyboard
Investing Articles

Is it time to snap up Nvidia stock, after it fell 9% on Q4 results?

Nvidia makes a laughing stock of naysayers and their doom-and-gloom moods yet again, but the stock responds with a hefty…

Read more »

Close-up of a woman holding modern polymer ten, twenty and fifty pound notes.
Investing Articles

How much do you need in an ISA to generate a second income of £2,700 a month in 2050?

Ben McPoland highlights a 6%-yielding stock from the FTSE 100 index that could contribute towards an attractive second income.

Read more »

Iberian plane on runway
Investing Articles

Is this a once-in-a-decade chance to snap up my highest conviction UK share?

Harvey Jones is a big fan of this beaten-down UK share and reckons it offers some of the most exciting…

Read more »